Slots parlor in Danvers seems unlikely

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DANVERS — The Cordish Companies of Baltimore has not approached the town about opening a slots parlor at Liberty Tree Mall since first floating the idea with local officials in January, Town Manager Wayne Marquis said.

But after some Danvers officials and residents publicly expressed opposition, Cordish canceled a public meeting to discuss the plan.

“They were concerned it might be premature,” Marquis said. “And, as things went on, they just focused on other communities.”

In Boxborough, Cordish proposed to invest $200 million in a Holiday Inn off Interstate 495 to transform it into a new hotel with a slots parlor. But Boxborough selectmen in May
voted 4 to 1 against negotiating with the developer.

In a statement, a top Cordish official would not say where the developer may now try its luck. “We are looking at a number of excellent opportunities in Massachusetts and will make a public announcement at the appropriate time,” said Joe Weinberg, Cordish’s managing partner.

Marquis is betting Danvers won’t be added to the list. “It just feels like we’re not part of their plans,” he said.

Cordish is one of four companies that have applied for the state’s slots license. Others are proposed for Plainville,
Raynham,
and Worcester.